Fabric Allergen Barrier Assessment: Simulated Use Test (SP305)
The SP305 Simulated Use Allergen Barrier Test proves the effectiveness of a fabric, zipper, or seam as a barrier to the passage of indoor allergens under realistic use conditions. This test is recommended for fabrics that are impermeable to air and is used by manufacturers worldwide to substantiate allergen barrier claims and support certification applications.
How the SP305 Test Works
The fabric, zipper, or seam is placed between two glass chambers. One chamber contains house dust with a known concentration of allergen, along with steel bearings to simulate the pressure of normal use. The dual chamber device is then rotated for 20 hours at 25 rotations per minute.
The amount of allergen transferred across the fabric, zipper, or seam is quantified using an ELISA kit specific for the type of allergen being measured — providing precise, reproducible data to support product claims.
Why This Test Matters
The results from this test allow manufacturers and retailers to directly claim the ability of a fabric, zipper, or seam to block indoor allergens. This is critically important because it is misleading to rely on pore size and thread count alone to demonstrate allergen barrier performance.
Pore size only loosely correlates with allergen filtration efficacy — and a high thread count fabric may be poorly constructed, allowing allergen passage regardless. The SP305 test provides real, functional evidence of barrier performance under simulated conditions of use.
Sample Requirements & Turnaround
Turnaround Time
15 Working Days
From receipt of sample
Sample Required
1 m²
1 square metre of fabric
Third-Party Validation
On passing this test, the fabric can be labelled as having been tested by Airmid Healthgroup in support of any claim relating to the test and data received.
Airmid Healthgroup is an INAB accredited laboratory (Reg No. 284T) for Der p1 and Fel d1 ELISA testing. Please note that the SP305 process itself is not within the scope of accreditation.
Request a Quote for SP305 Testing
Contact Airmid Healthgroup to discuss your allergen barrier testing requirements and receive a tailored quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SP305 Simulated Use Allergen Barrier Test?
SP305 is a laboratory method developed by Airmid Healthgroup that simulates real-world use conditions to assess how well fabrics, zippers, or seams prevent the passage of indoor allergens. Unlike static barrier tests, it applies mechanical stress over 20 hours to replicate the pressures of normal product use.
Which allergens are tested in SP305?
The standard test uses house dust mite allergen (Der p1) and cat allergen (Fel d1). Other allergens can be evaluated upon request depending on the product’s intended application and target market.
How is allergen penetration measured?
Allergen that passes through the fabric into the second chamber is collected and analysed using a highly sensitive ELISA kit specific to the allergen type. Results are reported as percentage allergen passage, reduction factor, or log reduction — providing clear, quantified data to support product claims.
Why is simulated use testing more reliable than relying on pore size or thread count?
Pore size measurements and thread count data only loosely correlate with real allergen barrier performance. A fabric may have a small stated pore size but still allow allergen passage due to construction inconsistencies. The SP305 test provides direct functional evidence of allergen barrier performance under realistic use conditions — which is what consumers and certifiers actually need to see.
Can SP305 test results support a certification application?
Yes. SP305 results can support applications to the Asthma & Allergy Friendly® certification programme and similar schemes requiring independent validation of allergen barrier performance. Airmid is a trusted partner of the AAFA certification programme.
Related Tests
- Allergen Barrier Test (SP304 — airflow-based)
- Bed Bug Cleaning Effectiveness Test
- Bed Bug Repellency Test
- Heat Escape Method
- AATCC 194-2013 — Anti-House Dust Mite Testing
- ISO 21326:2019 — House Dust Mite Efficacy in Textiles
- BS EN ISO 20743:2021 — Antibacterial Activity of Textiles
- Allergen Testing Laboratory
Case Studies
- Airmid Validates Chem-Dry Cleaning Process — Allergen and Bacteria Removal from Carpets and Upholstery
- Air Sniper UVGI Technology Validation — Independent Verification of Germicidal Performance
- Airmid R&D Case Studies — Applied Research Across Consumer Products and Environmental Health Technologies
External References
- Vaughan et al. (1999) — Effect of pore size in blocking cat and dust mite allergen. Tightly woven fabrics (<10 µm) effectively block Der p1, Der f1, and Fel d1 allergens, defining textile performance thresholds.
- Mahakittikun et al. (2003) — Laboratory assessment of the efficiency of encasing materials against house dust mites and their allergens. Woven microfiber barriers achieved >99% reduction in Der p1 passage.
- Clarke et al. (2015) — Dynamics of house dust mite transfer in modern clothing. Demonstrated allergen migration through textiles under simulated wear, supporting the value of dynamic simulated-use testing such as SP305.
Related Textiles Testing Services
- Textiles Testing Overview
- Allergen Barrier Test
- Allergen Removal
- Heat Escape Method
- AATCC 194-2013
- Breathability & Air Permeability
- ISO 27447:2019 — Antibacterial Activity of Photocatalytic Materials
- ISO 20743:2021
- BS EN 14683:2019
- AATCC 100
- Microbial Strikethrough
- Feather & Down Analysis
- ISO 18184:2019 — Antiviral Testing for Textiles
- ISO 13629-2:2014
